Not a terrible book, just not for me. I find Gottman's how-to, workbook, prescriptive style both uninteresting and uninspiring. I wish he'd write someNot a terrible book, just not for me. I find Gottman's how-to, workbook, prescriptive style both uninteresting and uninspiring. I wish he'd write something explaining his theories and trust his readers enough to figure out how to put them to practice....more

I listened to the audiobook after having watched a few of Brene Brown's videos, including her TED talk. The reader has an unfortunate way with sibilanI listened to the audiobook after having watched a few of Brene Brown's videos, including her TED talk. The reader has an unfortunate way with sibilants, and the book's structure required more of my attention than I generally give audiobooks, so I think I'll revisit this in hard copy.

I appreciate Brown's insights about vulnerability, and much of the book is insightful and thought-provoking. I disagree with her brief description about "accountability," which she equates with consequences, or punishing someone who doesn't do what you want. Her examples are a boss/employee and parent/child. I don't think consequences are the best way to inspire a child or an employee, and the absence of a discussion of "accountability" in egalitarian relationships is telling. At the moment, I'm pondering her assertion that spirituality is requisite in a resilient, "wholehearted" life. I'm encouraged that she defines spirituality broadly, but as someone who regards myself as not remotely spiritual, I'm left chewing on whether to accept her assertion....more